Cooling system

ABSTRACT

Technologies are described herein for cooling systems. In some aspects, a cooling system is configured to enter into a storage configuration or a winterization configuration. In the winterization configuration, refrigerant used in the cooling system is stored in an adsorbent in an adsorbent chamber.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/181,470 filed Jun. 14, 2016, entitled “Cooling System,”which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/681,526 filed Apr. 8, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,441,868,entitled “Cooling Systems and Methods,” which a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/204,920 filed Mar. 11, 2014 entitled“Cooling Systems and Methods,” which claims the benefit of U.S.provisional patent application No. 61/788,574 filed Mar. 15, 2013, nowexpired, entitled “Cooling Systems and Methods,” all of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Conventional cooling systems typically use phase changing refrigerantsas the working fluid. The phase changing refrigerants are oftencompressed and, upon vaporization, absorb heat from the surroundingenvironment. The absorption of the heat cools the surroundingenvironment. A plurality of liquid refrigerant systems arehydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based systems. The refrigerants used inHFC-based systems are greenhouse gases.

Periods in which storage of the HFC refrigerant in the HFC-based systemmay be necessary and can be handled using conventional methods. HFCsoften have very low freezing points that reduce the probability of thefreezing of the refrigerant in the system in very low temperatureconditions. However, in systems that use other types of refrigerants,such as water, when the ambient temperature around the refrigerantsystem approaches the freezing point of the refrigerant, there is anincreased probability that the refrigerant could freeze in therefrigerant system.

The freezing of the refrigerant in the system can temporarily preventthe system from cooling a space. The frozen refrigerant, if allowed tofreeze and expand in various parts of the refrigerant system, canpermanently damage the system. Conventional techniques to reduce theprobability of refrigerant freezing typically include the use of anadditive with a significantly lower freezing point than the refrigerant.However, these additives are often toxic to humans and the environment,at least partially negating the positive effects of using a non-HFCrefrigerant. Further, in some systems, additives can contaminate variouscomponents of the system, causing a degradation of the operability ofthe system.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosuremade herein is presented.

SUMMARY

Technologies are described herein for various uses of a crystallinestructure of an adsorbent in a cooling system. In some examples, thecrystalline structure of an adsorbent is used to place the refrigerantin a form that reduces the probability of the refrigerant freezing in acooling system. In various examples, the cooling system includes awinterization configuration, a storage configuration, and an in-useconfiguration. In examples, the storage configuration is a configurationin which substantially all of the refrigerant is to be stored in liquidform in a container. As used herein, “substantially all” means at least75 percent of the volume of the refrigerant. In some examples, thein-use configuration is a configuration in which the cooling system isbeing used to cool a target surface or space. As used herein, a targetsurface or space is the surface or space being cooled by a coolingsystem (e.g. a house, room, cabin of a vehicle, and the like).

In some examples, the winterization configuration is a configuration inwhich the system determines that at least a portion of the refrigerantis to be stored within the crystalline structure of an adsorbent. Insome examples, the system may have received a temperature input that anambient air condition around the system may cause at least some of therefrigerant to freeze in the system. Thus, there may be a need to adsorbat least a portion of the refrigerant in an adsorbent to reduce theprobability of refrigerant freezing in various components of the system.As used herein, the ambient air is the air surrounding at least aportion of the cooling system. For example, if applied to a vehicle, thetarget space is the cabin of the vehicle while the ambient air is theoutside air surrounding the cooling system.

In examples, the cooling system uses an adsorbent with a crystallinestructure capable of adsorbing individual molecules of the refrigerantin the crystalline structure. In some examples, the adsorption of theindividual molecules in the crystalline structure can reduce theprobability of the freezing of the refrigerant if the system is exposedto temperatures near or below the freezing point of the refrigerant.

The winterization configuration may include various settings that, whena condition is detected that may cause refrigerant freezing, causes thecooling system to adsorb the refrigerant at a predetermined rate. Insome examples, the system includes one or more temperature inputs. Thetemperature input receives temperature data. The temperature data isused by the system to determine a condition of the ambient air aroundthe system in which the refrigerant may need to be stored in thewinterization configuration rather than a storage configuration, i.e.,stored by adsorbing the refrigerant in the adsorbent rather than as aliquid in a container.

In some examples, the cooling system includes an evaporator fluidlycoupled to an adsorption chamber. In a cooling mode, the refrigerantvaporizes, causing the evaporator to absorb heat. The adsorption chamberreceives the refrigerant vapor. The adsorption chamber includes anadsorbent. The adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant vapor in thecrystalline structure of the adsorbent. In a recharging mode, heat isapplied to the adsorbent, causing desorption of the refrigerant from theadsorbent. In some examples, more than one evaporator and/or adsorbentchamber can be used to maintain at least a portion of the cooling systemin a cooling mode while allowing a recharging mode.

In some examples, there is a cooling system comprising at least oneevaporator containing a refrigerant, at least one adsorbent chamberfluidly coupled to the at least one evaporator and containing adsorbentconfigured to provide adsorption of vaporized refrigerant from the atleast one evaporator in a cooling mode and configured to providedesorption of the refrigerant to the at least one evaporator in arecharging mode, and a control system configured to control theadsorption and desorption of the refrigerant of the at least oneadsorbent chamber between the cooling modes and recharging modes duringa cooling cycle, wherein at the end of the cooling cycle the controlsystem is programmed to cease desorption of the refrigerant from the atleast one adsorbent chamber, allow adsorption of the vaporizedrefrigerant from the at least one evaporator and at the end of theadsorption cycle continue to maintain the at least one adsorbent chamberin an adsorbed state in a winterization configuration.

In some examples, there is a cooling system comprising at least oneevaporator containing a refrigerant, at least two adsorbent chambersfluidly coupled to the at least one evaporator and each containingadsorbent configured to provide adsorption of vaporized refrigerant fromthe at least one evaporator in a cooling mode and configured to providedesorption of the refrigerant to the at least one evaporator in arecharging mode, and a control system configured to control theadsorption and desorption of the refrigerant of the at least twoadsorbent chambers, the control system being programmed to alternate theat least two adsorbent chambers between the cooling modes and rechargingmodes to maintain substantially continuous adsorption of the vaporizedrefrigerant from the at least one evaporator during a cooling cycle,wherein at the end of the cooling cycle the control system is programmedto cease desorption of the refrigerant from the at least two adsorbentchambers, allow adsorption of the vaporized refrigerant from the atleast one evaporator and at the end of the adsorption cycle continue tomaintain the at least two adsorbent chambers in an adsorbed state in awinterization configuration.

In some examples, a method is described comprising using a vehicle toheat at least one adsorbent chamber to cause desorption of therefrigerant from the adsorbent following a winterization configurationand before a subsequent cooling cycle. In some examples, the methodfurther comprises automatically entering the winterization configurationwhen a temperature sensor senses a predetermined ambient airtemperature. In some examples, the cooling system includes at least twoadsorbent chambers and the method further comprises controlling theadsorption and desorption of the refrigerant of the at least twoadsorbent chambers between the cooling modes and recharging modes tomaintain substantially continuous adsorption of the vaporizedrefrigerant from the at least one evaporator during a cooling cycle. Insome examples, during the winterization configuration, the ambienttemperature of the air is about or below the freezing point of therefrigerant. In some examples, substantially all of the refrigerant isadsorbed within the adsorbent in the winterization configuration.

The crystalline structure of the adsorbent can be used to place therefrigerant in a form for other uses as well. For example, the structurecan be used to place the refrigerant in a stable, secure form fortransport. In some examples, when transported as a liquid, the weight ofthe refrigerant can move or shift when the carrier transporting therefrigerant moves. In some examples, placing the refrigerant in thecrystalline structure of the adsorbent can stabilize the weight of therefrigerant, as the adsorbent acts to prevent movement of therefrigerant when adsorbed in the crystalline structure of the adsorbent.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of technologies in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intendedthat this Summary be used to limit the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited toimplementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part ofthis disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cooling system.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cooling system capable of continuouscooling.

FIGS. 3-5 are flow charts illustrating the operation of a coolingsystem.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating a coolingsystem in either a storage configuration or a winterizationconfiguration.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a system for communicating temperature datato a plurality of cooling systems.

FIG. 8 is a computer architecture diagram illustrating an illustrativecomputer hardware and software architecture for a computing systemcapable of implementing aspects presented herein.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a hot surface cooling system.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a cooling system using a separatewinterization chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to various uses of acrystalline structure of an adsorbent in a cooling system. In someexamples, the crystalline structure of an adsorbent is used to place therefrigerant in a form that reduces the probability of the refrigerantfreezing in a cooling system. For example, the adsorbent can be zeolite.It should be understood that, while various examples described hereinare described in terms of the use of zeolite, the presently disclosedsubject matter is not necessary limited to zeolite, as other suitablyequipped adsorbents, including, but not limited to, molecular sieves,metal organic frameworks, and electrically activated adsorbents, may beused. In some examples, electrically activated adsorbents, such asactivated charcoal, can be adsorbents configured with an electricalcharge to adsorb molecules. In some examples, the adsorbent is designedand/or selected to allow for the storage of the refrigerant on amolecular basis. For example, the crystalline structure of common formsof zeolite provide for the adsorption of a water molecule within theinterstitial space in the crystalline structure of the adsorbent.

Adsorbing the refrigerant on a molecular basis can provide variousadvantages. In some examples, because the water molecules are stored(adsorbed) separately within the interstitial spaces of the adsorbent,the water molecules are not able to join and do not have a state ofeither liquid, vapor, or ice. Thus, in some examples, cooling systemsusing certain combinations of crystalline adsorbent and refrigerant canwithstand relatively lower temperatures than other cooling systemswithout the use of antifreeze agents.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown byway of illustration specific examples. Referring now to the drawings,aspects of technologies for cooling systems will be presented.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cooling system 100. In some examples, thecooling system 100 is a closed-loop system, whereby the volume workingfluid (refrigerant) is maintained within the cooling system 100. Thecooling system 100 includes a refrigerant 102 contained within anevaporator/condenser 104. In some examples, the refrigerant 102 iswater. In some examples, the refrigerant 102 is pure water. In someexamples, the refrigerant 102 is substantially pure water. In someexamples, the refrigerant 102 is water containing no additives. In othersystems, water containing adjuvants may be desired as the refrigerant102. An example of useful adjuvants is an anti-microbial (e.g.,bactericidal or fungicidal) composition. In some examples, therefrigerant 102 does not contain materials which would interfere withoperation of cooling system 100 in its operation. Thus, in someexamples, glycols and other antifreeze agents can be excluded from therefrigerant 102, at least in amounts effective for storing coolingsystem 100 in ambient conditions around or below the freezing point ofthe refrigerant 102.

In some examples, evaporator/condenser 104 is fluidly coupled to anadsorbent chamber 106 containing an adsorbent 108. In some examples,adsorbent 108 is a material configured to adsorb and desorb therefrigerant 102. In some examples, the adsorbent 108 is configured toprovide adsorption of vaporized refrigerant 116 from theevaporator/condenser 104 in a cooling mode (illustrated in FIG. 1) andconfigured to provide desorption of the refrigerant 102 back into theevaporator/condenser 104 in a recharging mode.

In some examples, the adsorbent 108 exhibits a high ability to adsorbrefrigerant 102 and to remain in an adsorbed state over practicallengths of time, while maintaining physical and physicochemical form andfunction. Such materials may be useful when they exhibit a high abilityto adsorb water, efficient and effectively reversible desorption ofwater upon application of heat energy, and physical and physicochemicalstability during and following repeated adsorption and desorptioncycles.

In some examples, the adsorbent 108 includes a desiccant material. Insome examples, the adsorbent 108 is a desiccant. In some examples, theadsorbent 108 is zeolite. A zeolite may be described as, but withoutlimitation, hydrous aluminum silicate in porous granules. Exemplaryzeolites that may be used include analxime, chabazite, heulandite,natrolite, phillipsite and stilbite. In some examples, the adsorbent 108is any drying agent that maintains its physical structure whensubstantially fully contacted with water. In other examples, theadsorbent 108 is any adsorptive and/or absorptive material including butnot limited to diatomaceous earth, activated alumina, silica gel,calcium aluminosilicate clay, molecular sieves (e.g., electricallycharged molecular sieves), metal organic framework materials, activatedcarbon, and/ or lithium chloride. In other examples, the adsorbent 108may be an electrically chargeable and dischargeable material (e.g., aporous slab or particles of material such as a metal including aluminum,stainless steel and alloys thereof) such that electrical energy is usedto control the electrical charge of the pores of the material to adsorband desorb the refrigerant 102 from the adsorbent 108.

The evaporator/condenser 104 is fluidly coupled to the adsorbent chamber106 via a fluid passageway 110 such as a pipe or conduit. In oneexample, the fluid passageway 110 includes a valve 112 that controls thefluid coupling between the evaporator/condenser 104 and the adsorbentchamber 106. In one example, the evaporator/condenser 104 and theadsorbent chamber 106 are contained within a common housing 114. Inother examples, the housing 114 includes two or more parts. In someexamples, the refrigerant 102 is hermetically sealed within the coolingsystem 100.

In some examples, the valve 112 can be a thermally actuated valve thatopens the passageway 110 between the evaporator/condenser 104 and theadsorbent chamber 106 when a calibrated temperature is reached. In someexamples, this can allow the refrigerant water to be adsorbed and thesystem to enter a winterization configuration. In some examples, thevalve 112 may be actuated using a bi-metallic coil, plate, diaphragm, aswell as an impregnated wax element and other temperature reactingtechnologies. These technologies can convert a temperature change intomechanical energy to move the valve 112. In further examples, theactuation mechanism for the valve 112 may have a high temperatureopening setting to operate the system and provide cooling, as well as alow temperature setting to initiate a winterization mode.

During the cooling mode, a heat transfer medium 118 is passed over,around and/or through evaporator/condenser 104 to form a heat exchangercoupling between heat transfer medium 118 and the evaporator/condenser104. The heat transfer medium 118 may be any suitable media to be cooledor used to cool another medium. Heat transfer medium 118 may be theenvironment to be cooled directly. In other examples, the heat transfermedium 118 may be used to extend the heat exchange with theevaporator/condenser 104 to another area (e.g., a living room orsleeping space) or media or surface. In some examples, the heat transfermedium 118 is air. In some examples, the heat transfer medium 118 iswater. In some examples, the heat transfer medium 118 includes glycolmixtures or other antifreeze agents, oils, or heat transfer media.

As the vaporized refrigerant 116 moves from the evaporator/condenser 104into the adsorbent chamber 106, the pressure within theevaporator/condenser 104 decreases reducing the boiling point of therefrigerant 102 and causing it to evaporate, thereby decreasing thetemperature within the evaporator/condenser 104, pulling heat from heattransfer medium 118 such that the temperature of the heat transfermedium 118 decreases.

During use, the vaporized refrigerant 116 is adsorbed into the adsorbent108. To reset or recharge cooling system 100 and be ready for asubsequent cooling cycle, energy is applied to the adsorbent chamber 106to cause the adsorbed refrigerant 102 to desorb from the adsorbent 108and flow back into the evaporator/condenser 104. In some examples, aheater 120 having a fuel source 122, or other heat source, is used toapply heat to the adsorbent 108 in the recharging mode. In someexamples, a condensing fan 124 is used to condense the desorbedrefrigerant for subsequent cycles. In some examples, a fan is used toblow ambient air around evaporator/condenser 104 to condense thedesorbed refrigerant from vapor to liquid for subsequent cycles. Itshould be understood, however, that some examples of the cooling system100 do not require the condensing fan 124, as the desorbed refrigerantmay condense in the evaporator/condenser 104 based on the temperature ofthe refrigerant as well as the pressure in the evaporator/condenser 104.In some examples, a chiller or other cooling source may be used.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cooling system 200 capable of continuouscooling. In FIG. 1, because the cooling system includes only a singleadsorbent chamber 106 and evaporator/condenser 104, once the refrigerantis adsorbed into the adsorbent 108 to a predetermined level, theadsorbent 108 needs to undergo a desorption cycle. The desorption cycle(e.g. recharging mode) essentially takes the cooling system 100 offlinebecause there is no other adsorbent available to adsorb refrigerant. Thecooling system 200 of FIG. 2 alleviates that limitation by providing anadditional adsorbent chamber/evaporator/condenser combination.

In FIG. 2, the cooling system 200 is being used to cool a space such asa sleeping or passenger compartment 202 of a truck while a driver sleepsas illustrated. However, the cooling system 200 may be configured tocool any desirable space or media or surface. The cooling system 200 mayprovide continuous cooling by including two or more adsorbent chambers204, 206 that alternate between the cooling modes and recharging modesto maintain substantially continuous adsorption of the vaporizedrefrigerant 208 from the evaporator 210 during a cooling cycle. In someexamples, a cooling cycle is continued so long as at least one of theadsorbent chambers 204, 206 is adsorbing vaporized refrigerant 208 fromthe evaporator 210. In some examples, heat transfer medium 212 iscoupled to the evaporator 210 via a first heat exchanger 214. In someexamples, the evaporator 210 absorbs heat from the heat transfer medium212 via the first heat exchanger 214 and desirably maintains the heattransfer medium 212 below a desired temperature during the coolingcycle.

In some examples, the heat transfer medium 212 is used to cool a desiredspace such as the passenger compartment 202 through a second heatexchanger 216. In some examples, the passenger compartment 202 isgenerally enclosed. In some examples, the passenger compartment 202 is aroom such as a sleeper compartment or passenger compartment of a vehicleor a room of a house, or a liquid such as drinking water or beer. Insome examples, the heat transfer medium 212 is moved between the firstheat exchanger 214 and the second heat exchanger 216 by a pump 218.

In some examples, the second heat exchanger 216 includes a fan 220. Insome examples, the fan 220 helps to distribute cooled air within thepassenger compartment 202. In some examples, the cooling system 200includes a reservoir 222. In some examples, the reservoir 222 isconfigured to contain a refrigerant (illustrated in FIG. 1) in liquidform. In some examples, the reservoir 222 is fluidly coupled to theevaporator 210. In some examples, a valve 224 is disposed within andconfigured to control the fluid coupling between the evaporator 210 andthe reservoir 222. In some examples, the evaporator 210 is fluidlycoupled to the first adsorbent chamber 204. In some examples, a valve226 is disposed within and configured to control the fluid couplingbetween the evaporator 210 and the first adsorbent chamber 204.

In some examples, the evaporator 210 is fluidly coupled to the secondadsorbent chamber 206. In some examples a valve 228 is disposed withinand configured to control the fluid coupling between the evaporator 210and the second adsorbent chamber 206. In some examples, the evaporator210 is fluidly coupled to two or more adsorbent chambers 204, 206. Inother examples, additional adsorbent chambers and evaporators may beprovided in various configurations. In some examples, a condenser 227 isomitted. In other examples, the condenser 227, the reservoir 222 and theevaporator 210 are combined into a single device, as illustrated inFIG. 1. In some examples, a condenser 227 and a reservoir 22 arecombined into a single device and valve 244 is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4, because the heat transfer medium 212 may eventuallyreach a temperature where a refrigerant 230 in the evaporator 210 beginsto freeze potentially damaging the structural integrity (e.g., ahermetic seal) of the evaporator 210, a temperature sensor 232 may beprovided. It should be understood that the location of the temperaturesensor 232 may vary. One or more valves 226, 228, 224 may be closed orpartially closed to slow or stop adsorption into adsorbent 236 andfurther cool the refrigerant 230 based on the sensed temperature. Inother examples, one or more valves 226, 228, 224 are opened to reducethe temperature of the evaporator 210 if the heat transfer medium 212exceeds a predetermined temperature.

In some examples, valves 226, 228, 224 are binary. In other examples,valves 226, 228, 224 are adjustable to different amounts of opennessbetween ON and OFF. In some examples, a control system 238 controlsvalves 226, 228, 224. In some examples, the control system 238 controlsvalves 226, 228, 224 to maintain the heat transfer medium 212 between apredetermined temperature range (e.g., approximately 52.5° F. toapproximately 53.0° F.). In some applications, it may be desirable tohave the temperature of the evaporator 210 go to a temperature lowerthan the approximate freezing temperature of the refrigerant 230. Insuch instances, rather than keeping a particular quantity of therefrigerant 230 in the evaporator 210 at all times, only the quantityrequired to be adsorbed into the adsorbent 236 (e.g., a spray at a time)is fed into the evaporator 210.

In some examples, the valve 224 controls the amount of the refrigerant230 introduced into the evaporator 210. In some examples, the valve 224is controlled to feed the refrigerant 230 into the evaporator 210 atapproximately the same rate the refrigerant 230 is leaving theevaporator 210. In other examples, an injector, such as a sprayer, isused to inject the refrigerant 230 into the evaporator 210. Controllingthe amount of the refrigerant 230 entering the evaporator 210 may allowthe evaporator 210 to go to a lower than the freezing temperature of therefrigerant 230 with reduced or no risk of freezing damage because thequantity of the refrigerant 230 introduced into the evaporator 210 atany given time is too low to cause damage.

In other examples, the evaporator 210 may have a high thermalconductivity. For example, the evaporator 210 may include a liner thatis thermally conductive. Providing an evaporator with a high thermalconductivity may help to more quickly transfer heat from the outside ofthe evaporator 210 to the inside of the evaporator 210 to melt orprevent ice droplets from forming on the inside of the evaporator 210.

In some examples, the first adsorbent chamber 204 is fluidly coupled toa condenser 227. In some examples, the second adsorbent chamber 206 isfluidly coupled to the condenser 227. In some examples, the condenser227 includes a fan 240 configured to cool vaporized refrigerant 242exiting the first and second adsorbent chambers 204, 206. In someexamples, air is used to cool the condenser 227. In other examples,water or another liquid is used to cool the condenser 227. In someexamples, the condenser 227 is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 222. Insome examples, the condensed refrigerant 230 is transferred from thecondenser 227 into the reservoir 222. In some examples, a valve 244 isdisposed within and configured to control the fluid coupling between thecondenser 227 and the reservoir 222. In some examples, a singlecondenser 227 is provided for two or more adsorbent chambers 204, 206.In other examples, each adsorbent chamber 204, 206 is fluidly coupled toits own condenser 227.

In some examples, a first heater 246 is thermally coupled to the firstadsorbent chamber 204. In some examples, the first heater 246 isconfigured to heat the first adsorbent chamber 204 to a sufficienttemperature to cause refrigerant within adsorbent 236 of the firstadsorbent chamber 204 to desorb from the adsorbent 236 in the rechargingmode. In some examples, the first adsorbent chamber 204 is thermallycoupled to a fan 250 configured to cool the first adsorbent chamber 204following the desorbing or recharging mode and prior and/or during anadsorbing or cooling mode. In some examples, a second heater 248 isthermally coupled to the second adsorbent chamber 206. In some examples,the second heater 248 is configured to heat the second adsorbent chamber206 to a sufficient temperature to cause refrigerant within theadsorbent 236 of the second adsorbent chamber 206 to desorb from theadsorbent 236 in the recharging mode. In some examples, the secondadsorbent chamber 206 is thermally coupled to a fan 252 configured tocool the second adsorbent chamber 206 following the desorbing orrecharging mode and prior and/or during an adsorbing or cooling mode. Insome examples, the first and second heaters 246, 248 are powered by afuel source 254. The fuel source 254 may include any desirable fuelincluding natural gas, diesel, liquefied petroleum, heating oil, jetpropellant, liquid propane, solar energy, geothermal energy and/or abattery. In some examples, an additional heat source 256, such as theexhaust from a combustion engine (e.g., the combustion engine of avehicle using cooling system 200) or other waste heat, may be thermallycoupled to one or more of the first and second adsorbent chambers 204,206 in the recharging modes. In some examples, a single fan is providedto cool first and second adsorbent chambers 204, 206. In some examples,a single heater is provided to heat first and second adsorbent chambers204, 206.

In some examples, the refrigerant 230 is moved within cooling system 200only as a result of the adsorption in and desorption from the adsorbent236. In some examples, controlling one or more valves 224, 226, 228,244, 258, 260 and heaters 246, 248, 256 moves the refrigerant 230through cooling system 200 without the assistance of one or more pumps.In other examples, one or more pumps are provided to assist with movingthe refrigerant 230 within cooling system 200.

In some examples, cooling system 200 includes the control system 238. Insome examples, control system 238 includes one or more computers havingone or more processors and memory (e.g., one or more nonvolatile orvolatile storage devices). In some examples, memory or computer readablestorage medium of memory stores programs, modules and data structures,or a subset thereof for a processor to control and run the varioussystems and methods disclosed herein. In some examples, a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium having stored thereoncomputer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor,perform one or more of the methods disclosed herein.

In some examples, the control system 238 is electronically coupled toand configured to control the operation of one or more valves 224, 226,228, 244, 258, 260 to control the fluid coupling between variouscomponents of the cooling system 200. In some examples, the controlsystem 238 is electronically coupled to and configured to control theoperation of one or more fans 220, 240, 250, 252 to cool variouscomponents of the cooling system 200. In some examples, the controlsystem 238 is electronically coupled to and configured to control theoperation of heaters 246, 248, 256.

In some examples, the control system 238 is powered by a power source262. In some examples, the power source 262 is a battery. In someexamples, the power source 262 is powered by the fuel source 254. Insome examples, the power source 262 is a thermoelectric generator. Insome examples, the control system 238 is programmed to control theadsorption and desorption of the refrigerant 230 of the adsorbentchambers 204, 206 and alternate adsorbent chambers 204, 206 between thecooling modes and recharging modes to maintain substantially continuousadsorption of vaporized refrigerant 208 from the evaporator 210 during acooling cycle.

In some examples, at the end of the cooling cycle, the control system238 is programmed to cease desorption of the refrigerant 230 fromadsorbent chambers 204, 206, allow adsorption of vaporized refrigerant208 from the evaporator 210 and at the end of the adsorption cyclecontinue to maintain the at least two adsorbent chambers in an adsorbedstate in a winterization configuration. The term “winterization” as usedherein is not used to limit the configuration based on a temperature,but rather, is used to define a configuration in which the refrigerantis to be adsorbed within the adsorbent for a purpose other than generaluse of the cooling system 200, such as transportation of an uninstalledsystem. In a winterization configuration, the molecules of therefrigerant 230 are stored on an individual basis within the structureof the adsorbent 236. In the examples using zeolite, a molecule of water(if used as the refrigerant 236) is adsorbed within a void of thecrystalline structure of the zeolite.

In some examples, the cooling system 200 is a closed loop system thatcan detect a condition requiring a winterization configuration. In thoseexamples, upon detecting the condition, the cooling system 200 isreconfigured to place the system in a winterization configurationwhereby the molecules of the refrigerant are adsorbed into the adsorbentindividually.

Described in reference to FIGS. 3-5, the cooling system 200 may beentered into the winterization configuration in a variety of ways. FIG.3 is a flow chart outlining three exemplary methods. Referring to FIG.3, the “winterization configuration a” may be achieved by opening valves1-5 corresponding to valves 224, 226, 228, 258, 260 shown in FIG. 2. The“winterization configuration b” may be achieved by adsorbing a portionof the refrigerant 230 in the first adsorbent chamber 204 and thensubsequently adsorbing substantially all of the remaining portion of therefrigerant 230 in the second adsorbent chamber 206. The “winterizationconfiguration c” may be achieved by the same method as winterizationconfiguration b with the addition of applying additional heat to theevaporator 210 to accelerate adsorption. Certain storage configurationsmay be faster than others but may use more energy.

The control system 238 and/or a user may therefore decide whichwinterization configuration is optimal to use for a given situation.Referring to FIG. 5, for example, the control system 238 mayautomatically enter into one of a plurality of winterizationconfigurations based on how quickly the ambient temperature is changing.In some examples, the control system 238 monitors the ambienttemperature (e.g., using sensor 270 or receive information from aweather report). When the ambient temperature falls below apredetermined limit, the control system 238 will record that currenttemperature. After a predetermined delay, the control system 238 willrecord what the ambient temperature changes to and compare what thedifference is to the initial recorded temperature.

The control system 238 will then decide, based on how quickly thetemperature changed, which winterization configuration is the mostoptimal to use. For example, if the temperature is dropping slowly(e.g., less than a predetermined value (“limit 1” in FIG. 5)) then thecontrol system 238 may utilize “winterization configuration a” byopening valves 1-5 corresponding to valves 224, 226, 228, 258, 260 shownin FIG. 2. If the temperature is dropping more quickly (e.g., greaterthan a first predetermined value (“limit 1” in FIG. 5) and less than asecond predetermined value (“limit 2” in FIG. 5)) then the controlsystem 238 may utilize “winterization configuration b” by adsorbing aportion of the refrigerant 230 in the first adsorbent chamber 204 andthen subsequently adsorbing a remaining portion of the refrigerant 230in the second adsorbent chamber 206.

If the temperature is dropping even more quickly (e.g., more than apredetermined value (“limit 2” in FIG. 5)) then the control system 238may utilize “winterization configuration c” by the same method aswinterization configuration b with the addition of applying additionalheat to evaporator 210 to accelerate adsorption. In some examples, theuser of cooling system 200 selects (e.g., from a control panel or othercontrol such as a cellular phone) certain commands for the controlsystem 238 to execute. For example, user selects or programs when thecooling cycle should start, when the cooling cycle should end, whetherto automatically recharge cooling system 200 when waste heat isavailable, and/or whether or not to enter the storage configuration atthe end of the cooling cycle.

The control system 238 may be programmed to automatically enter thestorage configuration or the winterization configuration. In someexamples, the control system 238 is programmed to enter the storageconfiguration or the winterization configuration at the end of thecooling cycle. In some examples, the control system 238 is programmed toenter the storage configuration at the end of the cooling cycle unlessthe user selects otherwise. In some examples, The control system 238 isprogrammed to enter the storage configuration or the winterizationconfiguration at a predetermined time (e.g., at 6:00 am or on October1st) or as a result of a predetermined condition (e.g., the engine ofthe vehicle has been off for over 12 hours or cooling system 200 has notbeen used for two weeks), or at the end of each cooling cycle. In someexamples, the control system 238 includes the sensor 270. In someexamples, the sensor 270 is a temperature sensor.

In some examples, the sensor 270 is a global positioning system (GPS).In some examples, the sensor 270 is a pressure sensor. In some examples,the sensor 270 is an altimeter. In some examples, the control system 238automatically enters cooling system 100 into the winterizationconfiguration when the sensor 270 senses below a predetermined ambientair temperature, air pressure, altitude and/or geographic location. Forexample, between cooling cycles if the temperature the sensor 270 sensesa predetermined ambient air temperature (e.g., 10° Celsius), the controlsystem 238 could open valves 226, 228 and/ or apply heat to theevaporator 210 such that substantially all of the refrigerant 230 isadsorbed in adsorbent chambers 204, 206.

In some examples, a detector 239 may be provided. In some examples, thedetector 239 is a detector that detects a condition of the coolingsystem 200 that may require the cooling system 200 to be placed in awinterization configuration. For example, the detector 239 detects ifcomponents of the cooling system 200 are disconnected, possibly exposingthe refrigerant 230 to the atmosphere. In some examples, the detector239 and the sensor 270 can perform the functions of each other, wherebyonly a sensor 270 or a detector 239 is used. In other examples, thedetector 239 and the sensor 270 can perform different detectionfunctions.

In some examples, the control system 238 is programmed to automaticallyrecharge cooling system 100 and desorb the refrigerant 230 from at leastone of the adsorbent chambers 204, 206 when the sensor 270 senses abovea predetermined ambient air temperature. For example, when coolingsystem 200 is in the winterization configuration and the temperature thesensor 270 senses a predetermined ambient air temperature (e.g., 15°Celsius), the control system 238 cause one or more heaters 246, 248, 256to apply heat to one or more adsorbent chambers 204, 206 so that coolingsystem 200 is recharged and ready for a subsequent cooling cycle.

In some examples, the control system 238 is programmed to automaticallyenter cooling system 100 into the winterization configuration based onactual or forecasted weather conditions. For example, the control system238 may receive input from a weather report and if the temperature is orforecasted to be near or below a predetermined temperature value, thecontrol system 238 enters cooling system 200 into the winterizationconfiguration following use of cooling system 200, or if not in use,automatically enter cooling system 200 into the storage configuration ata predetermined time.

In some examples, the control system 238 enters cooling system 200 intothe winterization configuration by opening one or more valves 226, 228.In some examples, eventually substantially all of the refrigerant 230 isadsorbed into adsorbent chambers 204, 206 even if the pump 218 is off.In some examples, the control system 238 enters cooling system 200 intothe storage configuration by keeping the adsorbent chambers 204, 206adsorbed at the end of the cooling cycle.

In some examples, the cooling system 200 is run through a standardadsorption cycle, using heat from passenger compartment 202 to heat theheat transfer medium 212 and speed up the evaporation in the evaporator210 and therefore speed up adsorption of the refrigerant 230 intoadsorbent chambers 204, 206. In such an example, the rechargingmechanism, the heaters 246, 248, 256 would be disengaged so that wheneach adsorbent chamber 204, 206 is fully adsorbed, cooling system 200would not go into a recharging mode. Cooling system 200 would remain thewinterization configuration until one or more heaters 246, 248, 256 wereused to desorb water from adsorbent chambers 204, 206 to rechargecooling system 200.

In some examples, the control system 238 enters cooling system 200 intothe winterization configuration by applying additional heat to theevaporator 210. Additional heat could be applied to the evaporator 210by one or more of heaters 246, 248 used for recharging adsorbentchambers 204, 206 or additional heat source 256 such as heat from atruck engine or other waste heat.

In some examples, the control system 238 is coupled to a remote control,such a device connected to the control system 238 through a wirelesscommunication system or through the internet, so that a user can inputcommands remotely (e.g., using a smart phone). In other examples, thecontrol system 238 is hard wired to a remote controlled device. In someexamples, the user can adjust the operating and programmed parametersusing a remote controlled device. In some examples, actual ambientconditions or weather forecasts can be presented to the user (e.g.,using an application or app) and the user can select or program commandsfor entering cooling system 200 into a storage configuration. Forexample, an app can alert the user via an app on the user's smart phonethat “the temperature in Pittsburgh (current location) is predicted tobe below freezing overnight. Do you want to enter the winterizationconfiguration at the end of the cooling cycle?”. The user may be drivingwith the cooling system 200 to a warmer climate where temperatures arepredicted to be well above freeze and may therefore select “no” inresponse to the question.

In some examples, the control system 238 is programmed to use additionalheat source 256 to exit the storage configuration and desorb refrigerantfrom at least one of the adsorbent chambers 204, 206. In some examples,the control system 238 is programmed to use additional heat source 256to desorb refrigerant from at least one of the adsorbent chambers 204,206 regardless of whether the cooling system 200 is in the storageconfiguration. For example, after a cooling cycle, cooling system 200 isstopped with one or both adsorbent chambers 204, 206 in at leastpartially adsorbed state. Between cooling cycles, waste heat fromadditional heat source 256 may be available (e.g., the driver is donesleeping in passenger compartment 202, cooling system 200 is off, anddriver begins driving the truck creating heat from the exhaust of theengine).

The heat from additional heat source 256 may be used to desorbrefrigerant from one or both adsorbent chambers 204, 206 to resetcooling system 200 for a subsequent cooling cycle and saving fuel fromfuel source 254. In some examples, the use of additional heat source 256to desorb one or more adsorbent chambers 204, 206 between cooling cyclesmay be turned off, either automatically or selectively, if coolingsystem 200 is to remain in the winterization configuration. In otherexamples, waste energy (e.g., energy captured from braking of a vehicle)may be used to at least partially recharge fuel and/or energy sources254, 262.

Turning now to FIG. 6, aspects of a method 600 for operating a coolingsystem, such as the cooling system 200, will be described in detail. Itshould be understood that the operations of the method 600 are notnecessarily presented in any particular order and that performance ofsome or all of the operations in an alternative order(s) is possible andis contemplated. The operations have been presented in the demonstratedorder for ease of description and illustration. Operations may be added,omitted, and/or performed simultaneously, without departing from thescope of the appended claims.

It also should be understood that the illustrated method 600 can beended at any time and need not be performed in its entirety. Some or alloperations of the method 600, and/or substantially equivalentoperations, can be performed by execution of computer-readableinstructions included on a computer-storage media, as defined herein.The term “computer-readable instructions,” and variants thereof, as usedin the description and claims, is used expansively herein to includeroutines, applications, application modules, program modules, programs,components, data structures, algorithms, and the like. Computer-readableinstructions can be implemented on various system configurations,including single-processor or multiprocessor systems, electronic controlunits, electronic control modules, programmable logic controllers,minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices, microprocessor-based, programmable consumerelectronics, combinations thereof, and the like. In some examples,instructions can be provided by a logic hard wired or hard encodedcontrol system using relays, transistors, mosfets, logic gates, and thelike. Computer-storage media does not include transitory media.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the logical operations describedherein can be implemented as a sequence of computer implemented acts orprogram modules running on a computing system, and/or as interconnectedmachine logic circuits or circuit modules within the computing system.The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performanceand other requirements of the computing system. Accordingly, the logicaloperations described herein are referred to variously as states,operations, structural devices, acts, or modules. These operations,structural devices, acts, and modules may be implemented in software, infirmware, in special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereof.For purposes of illustrating and describing the technologies of thepresent disclosure, the method 600 disclosed herein is described asbeing performed by the control system 238 and appropriate components ofthe cooling system 200 via execution of computer executableinstructions. As such, it should be understood that the describedconfiguration is illustrative, and should not be construed as beinglimiting in any way.

The method 600 begins at operation 602, where an input is receivedregarding a storage condition. As used herein, a “storage condition” isa condition in which the refrigerant within the cooling system is to bestored. As used herein, “storage” does not include a temporary conditionin which a refrigerant has been adsorbed within an adsorbent during theoperation of a cooling system. For example, a cooling system that usesmultiple adsorbent chambers may have one chamber actively adsorbingrefrigerant and another chamber undergoing a desorption process(recharging). The adsorption/desorption cycle during use is notconsidered a “storage condition” as used herein.

The purpose of storing the refrigerant within the cooling system mayvary. For example, as noted above, the ambient air around the coolingsystem may be, or soon may be, at a temperature that may increase theprobability of the freezing of the refrigerant within various componentsof the cooling system, possibly damaging the cooling system. In otherexamples, the cooling system may be placed into a temporary or extendedperiod of non-use. In these and other examples, the refrigerant may needto be removed from various components of the cooling system to, amongother possibilities, protect the integrity of the cooling system or therefrigerant itself. The presently disclosed subject matter is notlimited to any particular reason for the storage condition.

The method 600 continues at operation 604, where a determination is madeas to whether or not to store the refrigerant in the adsorbent. In manyconventional cooling systems, the refrigerant is typically stored inliquid form in one or more containers, such as an evaporator or acondenser. However, various examples of the presently disclosed subjectmatter provide for refrigerant storage within the adsorbent itself. Insome examples, the refrigerant may be preferably stored in the adsorbentrather than a reservoir such as the evaporator or the condenser. Asmentioned above, the adsorbent/refrigerant combination may be selectedso that the refrigerant is stored within the crystalline structure ofthe adsorbent.

For example, a zeolite/water combination may be used. During theadsorption process, a water molecule is adsorbed into a volumetric spaceprovided by the crystalline structure of the zeolite. Because the watermolecule is adsorbed separately from other water molecules, duringrelatively low temperature conditions (such as those below the freezingpoint of water), the water molecule may not have the ability to combinewith other water molecules to form a crystalline structure. Thus, in lowtemperatures, the use of the adsorbent as the storage medium may reducethe probability of ice formation within the cooling system.

Another example in which it may be preferable to store the refrigerantin the adsorbent rather than in liquid form is the relative stability ofthe refrigerant. In liquid form, movement of the container can causemovement of the refrigerant if in liquid form. This may cause changes inweight distribution, noise, or other disturbances that may not beacceptable. When adsorbed in an adsorbent, the adsorbed water moleculesmay move a negligible amount if the adsorbent chamber is moved, thusalleviating issues that can be caused by liquid refrigerant movingwithin a container.

The method 600 continues to operation 606, where if the refrigerant isnot to be stored in the adsorbent, the cooling system enters a storageconfiguration. In the storage configuration, various components of thecooling system are aligned so that the refrigerant may be collected in aparticular container. In the example of FIG. 6, the container is thecondenser. The method 600 continues to operation 608, where therefrigerant is collected in the condenser.

As noted above, in some examples, various operations of the method 600may not be performed or may be performed in various orders. For example,in some examples, the method 600 may temporarily cease after operation606 and not re-enter an operational mode. In these examples, therefrigerant may be stored in a disconnected configuration to protect therefrigerant in cases of transportation or unintended disconnect ofvarious components of the cooling system. Once collected, the method 600may thereafter end.

If the refrigerant is to be stored in the adsorbent, the method 600continues to operation 610, where the cooling system enters thewinterization configuration. Examples of winterization configurationsare provided above with respect to FIGS. 3-5. In the winterizationconfiguration, the cooling system is aligned so that the refrigerantoutside of one or more adsorbent chambers is adsorbed into theadsorbent.

The method 600 continues to operation 612, where a determination is madeas to whether or not a desorption operation is ongoing. As noted above,a purpose of the winterization configuration is to cause the adsorptionof the refrigerant within the adsorbent.

The method 600 continues to operation 614, where in response to adetermination that a desorption operation is ongoing, the cooling systemceases the desorption operation. In some examples, ceasing thedesorption operation includes placing the adsorbent back into acondition for adsorbing (e.g. cooling the adsorbent).

The method 600 continues to operation 616, where in response to adetermination that a desorption operation is not ongoing or afteroperation 614, the cooling system adsorbs the refrigerant into theadsorbent. The refrigerant may remain adsorbed within the adsorbentuntil the storage condition clears or another input is received to placethe system back into an operational mode. The method 600 thereafterends.

In some examples, it may be desirable to communicate with more than onecooling system. For example, a trucking company may want to providetheir fleet of vehicles with temperature data. The temperature data maybe used by the cooling system to determine, among other possibilities,if the refrigerant is to be stored in the adsorbent in an adsorbentchamber.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a system 700 for communicating temperaturedata to a plurality of cooling systems. Illustrated in FIG. 7 arecooling systems 702A and 702B. The cooling systems 702A and 702B may beinstalled in various locations such as trucks, houses, and the like. Thepresently disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particularlocation. Further, the cooling system 702A may have a different use orconfiguration than the cooling system 702B. For example, the coolingsystem 702A may be installed to provide cooling to a house, whereas thecooling system 702B may be installed on a truck.

The cooling system 702A includes an adsorbent chamber 704A having anadsorbent disposed therein (not illustrated). The cooling system 702Afurther includes a refrigerant 706A operable to be adsorbed by theadsorbent within the adsorbent chamber 704A. In a similar manner, thecooling system 702B includes an adsorbent chamber 704B having anadsorbent disposed therein (not illustrated). The cooling system 702Bfurther includes a refrigerant 706B operable to be adsorbed by theadsorbent within the adsorbent chamber 704B.

A temperature station 708 provides temperature data 710. The temperaturestation is in communication with the cooling systems 702A and 702Bthrough network 714. In some examples, the network 714 may be a wirelessnetwork, such as a cellular network, whereby the temperature station 708may use a transceiver 716 to communication with the cooling systems 702Aand 702B. The cooling system 702A may use transceiver 718 to receive thetemperature data 710. In other examples, the network 714 may be a wirednetwork, whereby the cooling system 702 receives the temperature data710 using a LAN or other wired connection. It should be understood,however, that the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited toany particular manner of communication.

FIG. 8 illustrates an illustrative computer architecture 800 for adevice capable of executing the software components described herein foroperating a cooling system to cause the cooling system to enter astorage configuration or a winterization configuration. Thus, thecomputer architecture 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 illustrates anarchitecture for a server computer, mobile phone, a smart phone, adesktop computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, and/or a laptopcomputer. The computer architecture 800 may be utilized to execute anyaspects of the software components presented herein. In some examples,the computer architecture can include the control system 238 of FIG. 2.

The computer architecture 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a centralprocessing unit 802 (“CPU”), a system memory 804, including a randomaccess memory 806 (“RAM”) and a read-only memory (“ROM”) 808, and asystem bus 810 that couples the memory 804 to the CPU 802. A basicinput/output system containing the basic routines that help to transferinformation between elements within the computer architecture 800, suchas during startup, is stored in the ROM 808. The computer architecture800 further includes a mass storage device 812 for storing an operatingsystem 813 and one or more application programs for operating a coolingsystem.

The mass storage device 812 is connected to the CPU 802 through a massstorage controller (not shown) connected to the bus 810. The massstorage device 812 and its associated computer-readable media providenon-volatile storage for the computer architecture 800. Although thedescription of computer-readable media contained herein refers to a massstorage device, such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, it should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable media canbe any available computer storage media or communication media that canbe accessed by the computer architecture 800.

Communication media includes computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signalsuch as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes anydelivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that hasone or more of its characteristics changed or set in a manner as toencode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

By way of example, and not limitation, computer storage media mayinclude volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. For example, computer storage media includes, but is notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid statememory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (“DVD”), HD-DVD,BLU-RAY, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to store the desired information and which canbe accessed by the computer architecture 800. For purposes the claims, a“computer storage medium” or “computer-readable storage medium,” andvariations thereof, do not include waves, signals, and/or othertransitory and/or intangible communication media, per se. For thepurposes of the claims, “computer-readable storage medium,” andvariations thereof, refers to one or more types of articles ofmanufacture.

According to various configurations, the computer architecture 800 mayoperate in a networked environment using logical connections to remotecomputers through a network such as the network 714. The computerarchitecture 800 may connect to the network 714 through a networkinterface unit 814 connected to the bus 810. It should be appreciatedthat the network interface unit 814 also may be utilized to connect toother types of networks and remote computer systems. The computerarchitecture 800 also may include an input/output controller 816 forreceiving and processing input from a number of other devices, includinga keyboard, mouse, or electronic stylus (not shown in FIG. 8).Similarly, the input/output controller 816 may provide output to adisplay screen, a printer, or other type of output device (also notshown in FIG. 8).

It should be appreciated that the software components described hereinmay, when loaded into the CPU 802 and executed, transform the CPU 802and the overall computer architecture 800 from a general-purposecomputing system into a special-purpose computing system customized tofacilitate the functionality presented herein. The CPU 802 may beconstructed from any number of transistors or other discrete circuitelements, which may individually or collectively assume any number ofstates. More specifically, the CPU 802 may operate as a finite-statemachine, in response to executable instructions contained within thesoftware modules disclosed herein. These computer-executableinstructions may transform the CPU 802 by specifying how the CPU 802transitions between states, thereby transforming the transistors orother discrete hardware elements constituting the CPU 802.

Encoding the software modules presented herein also may transform thephysical structure of the computer-readable media presented herein. Thespecific transformation of physical structure may depend on variousfactors, in different implementations of this description. Examples ofsuch factors may include, but are not limited to, the technology used toimplement the computer-readable media, whether the computer-readablemedia is characterized as primary or secondary storage, and the like.For example, if the computer-readable media is implemented assemiconductor-based memory, the software disclosed herein may be encodedon the computer-readable media by transforming the physical state of thesemiconductor memory. For example, the software may transform the stateof transistors, capacitors, or other discrete circuit elementsconstituting the semiconductor memory. The software also may transformthe physical state of such components in order to store data thereupon.

As another example, the computer-readable media disclosed herein may beimplemented using magnetic or optical technology. In suchimplementations, the software presented herein may transform thephysical state of magnetic or optical media, when the software isencoded therein. These transformations may include altering the magneticcharacteristics of particular locations within given magnetic media.These transformations also may include altering the physical features orcharacteristics of particular locations within given optical media, tochange the optical characteristics of those locations. Othertransformations of physical media are possible without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the present description, with the foregoingexamples provided only to facilitate this discussion.

In light of the above, it should be appreciated that many types ofphysical transformations take place in the computer architecture 800 inorder to store and execute the software components presented herein. Italso should be appreciated that the computer architecture 800 mayinclude other types of computing devices, including hand-held computers,embedded computer systems, personal digital assistants, and other typesof computing devices known to those skilled in the art. It is alsocontemplated that the computer architecture 800 may not include all ofthe components shown in FIG. 8, may include other components that arenot explicitly shown in FIG. 8, or may utilize an architecturecompletely different than that shown in FIG. 8.

In some examples, a cooling system may be used to cool a surface ratherthan a fluid. FIG. 9 is an illustration of a cooling system 900. Thesurface cooling system 900 includes a hot surface 902. During use, thehot surface 902 typically generates heat. The amount of heat, if notremoved, can destroy or damage the hot surface 902. Thus, the heat mayneed to be removed from the hot surface 902 to maintain the integrity ofthe hot surface 902. The hot surface 902 may have a physical interfacewith a heated fluid container 904. The heated fluid container 904 mayhave disposed therein various fluids configured to accept heat from thehot surface 902. For example, the fluid can be air, water, or variousother fluids.

The heated fluid within the heated fluid container 904 can be ported toeither a first adsorbent chamber 906A or a second adsorbent chamber 906Bthrough valve 908A or 908B, respectively. The first adsorbent chamber906A and the second adsorbent chamber 906B can include an adsorbent thatis configured to adsorb a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be providedby a first evaporator/condenser 910A or a second evaporator condenser910B through valve 912A or 912B, respectively.

During operation, the first adsorbent chamber 906A and the secondadsorbent chamber 906B adsorb refrigerant from the firstevaporator/condenser 910A or the second evaporator condenser 910B. Theheated fluid is ported to the first adsorbent chamber 906A or the secondadsorbent chamber 906B to cause the desorption of the refrigerant,cooling the heated fluid. In some examples, this may define a method toscavenge waste heat for the purpose of preheating an adsorbent chamberprior to desorption.

In some examples, the first adsorbent chamber 906A and the secondadsorbent chamber 906B can be used at the same time to provide foremergency cooling. In other examples, the first adsorbent chamber 906Aand the second adsorbent chamber 906B can be operated sequentially toprovide for continuous cooling of the hot surface 902.

In some examples, the surface cooling system 900 can provide forredundancy. For example, if either of the first adsorbent chamber 906Aor the second adsorbent chamber 906B becomes inoperative, the otheradsorbent chamber may be operated to provide a degree of cooling.

FIG. 10 is a cooling system 1000 that uses a chamber for winterization.In some examples, an adsorbent may have certain properties that allowsit to be used during the operation of the system. However, in someexamples, these adsorbents may not have properties that would beconducive to its use as an adsorbent for a winterized configuration. Forexample, adsorbents used during operations (e.g. operational adsorbents)may be less dense or have fewer locations for adsorption in theircrystalline structure than adsorbents to be used in a winterizationconfiguration (e.g. winterization adsorbents). In some examples, thewinterization adsorbents may not be suitable or preferable to be used asan adsorbent during operations.

The cooling system 1000 is configured to take advantage of differentbenefits of adsorbents. The cooling system 1000 is a modification of thecooling system 100 of FIG. 1, and thus, the description of the operationof similarly labeled parts in FIG. 10 can be found in the description ofFIG. 1. In FIG. 10, an additional adsorption chamber is provided,winterization chamber 1006. The winterization chamber 1006 has disposedtherein winterization adsorbent 1008. In some configurations, thewinterization adsorbent 1008 is an adsorbent having properties, or isdesigned, to maintain the refrigerant 102 for a winterizationconfiguration. In a winterization configuration, the valve 112 may beclosed and the valve 1012 may be opened. In this configuration, insteadof the refrigerant 102 entering the adsorbent chamber 106, therefrigerant 102 is directed to the winterization chamber 1006. A heater1020 may be provided to desorb the refrigerant 102 from the adsorbent1008 when desired.

In some examples, both the winterization chamber 1006 and the adsorbentchamber 106 can be used. In some examples, a condition may be detectedthat requires an expedited adsorption of the refrigerant 102. In theseexamples, the winterization chamber 1006 can be used in concert with theadsorbent chamber 106 to attempt to decrease the time in whichadsorption occurs.

Various aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter may beconsidered in view of the following clauses:

Clause 1: A cooling system, comprising: an evaporator containing arefrigerant; an adsorbent chamber fluidly coupled to the evaporator, theadsorbent chamber containing an adsorbent that adsorbs the refrigerantin a cooling mode and desorbs the refrigerant in a desorbing mode; and acontrol system configured to cause the adsorbent chamber to enter intothe cooling mode and the recharging mode, receive a storage condition,determine if the cooling system is to enter into a storage configurationor a winterization configuration based on the storage condition, and inresponse to determining if the cooling system is to enter into thewinterization configuration, cause the cooling system to enter into thewinterization configuration.

Clause 2: The cooling system of clause 1, wherein the storage conditionis an ambient temperature input at or below a predetermined ambient airtemperature indicating a potential freezing condition of therefrigerant.

Clause 3: The cooling system of any of clauses 1 and 2, wherein theambient temperature input comprises temperature data from a sensor or aweather report.

Clause 4: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the controlsystem determines a rate of ambient air temperature decrease.

Clause 5: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-4, wherein thewinterization configuration comprises a first configuration if the rateof ambient air temperature decrease is less than a first rate.

Clause 6: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the firstconfiguration comprises opening at least one valve between theevaporator and the adsorbent chamber to provide for adsorption of therefrigerant in the adsorbent.

Clause 7: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-6, wherein thewinterization configuration comprises a second configuration if the rateof ambient air temperature decrease is at or greater than the first ratebut less than a second rate.

Clause 8: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the secondconfiguration comprises adsorbing a portion of the refrigerant in theadsorbent chamber and at least a portion of the remaining refrigerant ina second adsorbent chamber.

Clause 9: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-8, wherein thewinterization configuration comprises a third configuration if the rateof ambient air temperature decrease is at or greater than the secondrate.

Clause 10: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the thirdconfiguration comprises applying additional heat to the evaporator toaccelerate adsorption of the refrigerant in the adsorbent.

Clause 11: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-10, wherein thecontrol system causes the adsorbent chamber to enter into the rechargingmode when the control system determines that storage condition hascleared.

Clause 12: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-11, wherein thecontrol system causes the cooling system to enter into the winterizationconfiguration upon a detection of a predetermined ambient air pressure,a predetermined altitude, or a predetermined geographic location.

Clause 13: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-12, wherein thecontrol system causes the cooling system to enter into the winterizationconfiguration upon a receipt of a weather report that forecasts theambient air temperature to be below a predetermined temperature.

Clause 14: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-13, wherein thecontrol system receives a remote command to enter the winterizationconfiguration.

Clause 15: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-14, further comprisingat least one energy source thermally coupled to the adsorbent chamberand configured to heat the adsorbent chamber during the recharging mode.

Clause 16: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-15, wherein the atleast one energy source comprises exhaust from an engine of a vehicle.

Clause 17: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-16, further comprisinga winterization chamber to adsorb the refrigerant in the winterizationconfiguration.

Clause 18: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-17, further comprisinga transceiver to receive temperature data.

Clause 19: The cooling system of any of clauses 1-18, wherein theadsorbent is zeolite.

Clause 20: A method of operating a cooling system, the methodcomprising: providing an evaporator containing a refrigerant; providingan adsorbent chamber fluidly coupled to the evaporator, the adsorbentchamber containing an adsorbent that adsorbs the refrigerant in acooling mode and desorbs the refrigerant in a desorbing mode; receivinga storage condition; determining, based on at least on the storagecondition, if the cooling system is to enter a storage configuration ora winterization configuration; and in response to determining that thecooling system is to enter into the winterization configuration, causingthe cooling system to enter into the winterization configuration.

Clause 21: The method of clause 20, wherein the storage condition is anambient temperature input at or below a predetermined ambient airtemperature indicating a potential freezing condition of therefrigerant.

Clause 22: The method of any of clauses 20-21, further comprisingdetermining a rate of ambient air temperature decrease.

Clause 23: The method of any of clauses 20-22, wherein the winterizationconfiguration comprises a first configuration if the rate of ambient airtemperature decrease is less than a first rate, and wherein the firstconfiguration comprises opening at least one valve between theevaporator and the adsorbent chamber to provide for adsorption of therefrigerant in the adsorbent.

Clause 24: The method of any of clauses 20-23, wherein the winterizationconfiguration comprises a second configuration if the rate of ambientair temperature decrease is at or greater than the first rate but lessthan a second rate, and wherein the second configuration comprisesadsorbing a portion of the refrigerant in the adsorbent chamber and atleast a portion of the remaining refrigerant in a second adsorbentchamber.

Clause 25: The method of any of clauses 20-24, wherein the winterizationconfiguration comprises a third configuration if the rate of ambient airtemperature decrease is at or greater than the second rate, and whereinthe third configuration comprises applying additional heat to theevaporator to accelerate the adsorption of the refrigerant in theadsorbent.

Clause 26: The method of any of clauses 20-25, further comprisingcausing the adsorbent chamber to enter into the recharging mode when thestorage condition has cleared.

Clause 27: The method of any of clauses 20-26, further comprisingthermally coupling at least one energy source to the adsorbent chamberto heat the adsorbent chamber during the recharging mode.

Clause 28: The method of any of clauses 20-27, wherein the at least oneenergy source comprises exhaust from an engine of a vehicle.

Clause 29: The method of any of clauses 20-28, wherein the at least oneenergy source comprises a central processing unit.

Clause 30: The method of any of clauses 20-29, wherein the adsorbent iszeolite.

Clause 31: The method of any of clauses 20-30, wherein the adsorbent isa metal organic framework.

Clause 32: The method of any of clauses 20-31, wherein the adsorbent isan electrically activated adsorbent.

Clause 33: A cooling system, comprising: a refrigerant; an adsorbent; adetector to detect a condition requiring a winterization configurationof the cooling system, whereby upon detection of the condition, thecooling system is reconfigured to cause the adsorption of substantiallyall of the refrigerant on an individual molecular basis in theadsorbent.

Clause 34: The system of clause 3, wherein the adsorbent is zeolite.

Clause 35: The system of any of clauses 33-34, wherein the adsorbent isa metal organic framework.

Clause 36: The system of any of clauses 33-35, wherein the adsorbent isan electrically activated adsorbent.

Clause 37: The system of any of clauses 33-36, wherein the condition isan ambient air temperature that may cause the refrigerant to freeze.

Clause 38: The system of any of clauses 33-37, wherein the condition isan unintentional disconnection of a component of the cooling system.

Based on the foregoing, it should be appreciated that technologies for acooling system have been disclosed herein. Although the subject matterpresented herein has been described in language specific to structuralfeatures, methodological and transformative acts, and specificmachinery, it is to be understood that the invention defined in theappended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features,acts, or media described herein. Rather, the specific features, acts andmediums are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustrationonly and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications andchanges may be made to the subject matter described herein withoutfollowing the example configurations and applications illustrated anddescribed, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of thepresent invention, aspects of which are set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A cooling system, comprising: a refrigerant; an adsorbent; and adetector to detect a condition requiring the cooling system to cause theadsorption of substantially all of the refrigerant on an individualmolecular basis in the adsorbent.
 2. The cooling system of claim 1,wherein the adsorbent comprise zeolite, a metal organic framework, or anelectrically activated adsorbent.
 3. The cooling system of claim 1,wherein the condition is an ambient air temperature indicating apotential freezing condition of the refrigerant.
 4. The cooling systemof claim 1, wherein the condition is an unintentional disconnection of acomponent of the cooling system.
 5. The cooling system of claim 1,wherein the condition is a predetermined ambient air pressure, apredetermined altitude, or a predetermined geographic location.
 6. Thecooling system of claim 1, further comprising: an evaporator containingthe refrigerant; an adsorbent chamber fluidly coupled to the evaporator,the adsorbent chamber containing the adsorbent that adsorbs therefrigerant in a cooling mode and desorbs the refrigerant in a desorbingmode.
 7. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a temperaturestation that provides temperature data.
 8. The cooling system of claim7, further comprising a transceiver to receive the temperature data fromthe temperature station.
 9. The cooling system of claim 1, furthercomprising a winterization chamber having adsorbent disposed therein foradsorbing the refrigerant when the detector detects the conditionrequiring the cooling system to cause the adsorption of substantiallyall of the refrigerant on an individual molecular basis in theadsorbent.
 10. The cooling system of claim 9, further comprising anadsorbent chamber fluidly coupled to an evaporator, the adsorbentchamber containing the adsorbent that adsorbs the refrigerant in acooling mode and desorbs the refrigerant in a desorbing mode.
 11. Thecooling system of claim 1, wherein the condition is a remote command tocause the adsorption of substantially all of the refrigerant on anindividual molecular basis in the adsorbent.
 12. A method of operating acooling system, comprising: providing a refrigerant; providing anadsorbent; and detecting a condition requiring the cooling system tocause the adsorption of substantially all of the refrigerant on anindividual molecular basis in the adsorbent.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the adsorbent comprise zeolite, a metal organic framework, or anelectrically activated adsorbent.
 14. The method of claim 12, whereinthe condition is an ambient air temperature indicating a potentialfreezing condition of the refrigerant.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein the condition is an unintentional disconnection of a componentof the cooling system.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the conditionis a predetermined ambient air pressure, a predetermined altitude, or apredetermined geographic location.
 17. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising: providing an evaporator containing the refrigerant;providing an adsorbent chamber fluidly coupled to the evaporator, theadsorbent chamber containing the adsorbent that adsorbs the refrigerantin a cooling mode and desorbs the refrigerant in a desorbing mode. 18.The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing temperature data;and providing the temperature data from the temperature station.
 19. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising: providing a winterizationchamber having adsorbent disposed therein for adsorbing the refrigerantwhen the detector detects the condition requiring the cooling system tocause the adsorption of substantially all of the refrigerant on anindividual molecular basis in the adsorbent; and providing an adsorbentchamber fluidly coupled to an evaporator, the adsorbent chambercontaining the adsorbent that adsorbs the refrigerant in a cooling modeand desorbs the refrigerant in a desorbing mode.
 20. The method of claim12, wherein the condition is a remote command to cause the adsorption ofsubstantially all of the refrigerant on an individual molecular basis inthe adsorbent.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the condition is amanual command to cause the adsorption of substantially all of therefrigerant on an individual molecular basis in the adsorbent when avehicle to which the cooling system is installed is to be stored for alength of time.